Dry ice blasters | FAQs

Dry ice blasters are modern cleaning machines that use compressed air and dry ice pellets to clean surfaces efficiently without producing secondary waste. This innovative method is quickly becoming a preferred solution in industries requiring precise, residue-free cleaning.

Whether dry ice blasting is a new concept for you or you’re wanting to know more about this innovative cleaning technology with a view to improving your operation’s current cleaning process, this blog will answer a range of frequently asked questions, including how dry ice blasters work, the benefits they offer, and how to purchase and maintain one in line with your project’s specific needs.

What is a dry ice blaster?

A dry ice blaster is a piece of machinery that propels dry ice pellets at high speeds using compressed air which allows it to clean a variety of surfaces without the use of water or chemicals. Unlike sandblasting or other conventional cleaning methods, dry ice blasting is non-abrasive and doesn’t create secondary waste, making it ideal for a variety of industrial applications while simultaneously contributing to greener operations. The rapid sublimation of dry ice pellets upon contact ensures that no moisture remains, which is crucial for environments where moisture can cause damage or contamination. 

Dry ice blasting is typically used for cleaning sensitive electrical and mechanical equipment, removing paint, rust, and other coatings from surfaces, and decontaminating food processing areas and is highly effective in preserving the integrity of surfaces in the automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries.

How does a dry ice blaster work?

As we now know, a dry ice blaster operated by propelling dry ice pellets at high speeds using compressed air. As the dry ice impacts the surface, it sublimates (turns directly from solid to gas), creating a thermal shock that loosens dirt, grime, grease and other contaminants. The rapid expansion of the gas also helps to lift debris from the surface, all without the use of water or chemicals. Dry ice blasting leaves no residue, as the dry ice completely evaporates upon contact, making it an ideal solution for a variety of cleaning applications.

Benefits of using a dry ice blaster

Using a dry ice blaster offers several advantages over traditional cleaning methods, which include:



• Dry ice blasting is an environmentally friendly cleaning method that does not produce secondary waste streams and eliminates the need for chemical cleaning agents. 
• This method of cleaning is non-abrasive, preserving the integrity of the cleaned surface while effectively removing tough residues. 
• Compared to other cleaning methods, dry ice blasting is notably faster, significantly reducing downtime in industrial settings. This makes it particularly valuable for maintenance and production environments where speed and uptime are critical.
  

Choosing the right dry ice blaster

When selecting a dry ice blasting machine, consider the specific needs of your cleaning tasks, such as the size of the area and the type of residue being removed. For large-scale industrial cleaning, high-capacity dry ice machines are essential; however, if you’re cleaning delicate areas or need to remove non-hardy surface residue, a smaller unit will be able to get the job done. Ensure the blaster you choose has adjustable pressure settings to maximise effectiveness across different cleaning scenarios. With this flexibility, operators can finely tune the cold jet strength to match the sensitivity of the surface and the build-up of the debris.

Maintenance tips for dry ice blasters

It's important to maintain your dry ice blaster, and by following some simple upkeep procedures you can lengthen its lifespan and promote continued optimal performance. First, regularly check and clean the feeder system to prevent blockages of the carbon dioxide pellets. Inspect hoses and nozzles for wear and replace them as needed to maintain a strong and consistent flow of compressed air, which propels the dry ice pellets at a high-pressure rate. Besides these steps, which you can complete yourself, it’s also important to schedule regular cleaning of internal components with the Cryonomic team to help prevent unexpected failures during operation.

Contact Call 2 Hire today to hire our dry ice blasting machines

To see how our dry ice blasting technology can benefit your surface preparation and cleaning needs, contact Call 2 Hire today. By giving us a call or filling out our online contact form, we can assist you in finding the perfect machine for your dry ice cleaning needs.